Effects of Ferula go angulata Extract Against Oxidative Stress Induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in Rats

Background: Parkinson's disease is one of the prevalent degenerative diseases of the neural system. Oxidative stress, which has been recognized as the most important factor of Parkinson's disease, plays a main role in the death of neurons in this disease. Antioxidants have a proved role in the prevention of oxidative stress. Objective: Considering the presence of evidence regarding antioxidant property of Ferulago angulata, effect of oral administration of hydroalcoholic extract of this plant was investigated on parameters of the oxidative damage caused by Parkinson's disease in adult rats. Methods: In this research, 40 Wistar rats with the average weight of 200 to 250 g were r and omly assigned to 5 groups, each with 8 rats. Also, to develop Parkinson's disease animal model, 2 of 6-hydroxydopamine drug was injected into medial forebrain bundle on the left side of the animals and the treatment groups received Ferulago angulata extract with doses of 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg for 2 weeks as gavage. Then, the brain of the animals was isolated and parameters of Malondialdehyde and Thiol were measured. Results: Results showed that Parkinson's disease induced significantly increased brain peroxidation lipid, which is one of the factors of oxidative stress, and reduced Thiol level [p<0.001]. Further, treatment of Parkinson's disease with Ferulago angulata extract significantly decreased peroxidation lipid in striatum and hippocampus and increased Thiol level [p<0.001]. Conclusion: oral administration of hydroalcoholic extract of Ferulago angulata probably reduces oxidative damage and also reduces Malondialdehyde and increases Thiol in the treated groups due to its strong antioxidant property

Determination of phenolic compounds in Pinus eldarica by HPLC

The antioxidant components have been identified in some pine species. Antioxidant properties of proantocyanidins reduce free radicals induced by DNA fragmentation and lipid proxidation and also proanthocyanidines could curb lipid peroxidation. In this study, we analyzed different parts of Pinus eldarica [bark, seed and needle] and assessed their antioxidant contents. Pine specimens were collected from four different geographic locations in Tehran. The HPLC method [UV detector, C[18] reverse phase column, 4.6 mm [25 cm, and water/ H[3]PO[4]/ methanol/ acetonitril as eluant] were employed for evaluating total polyphenols. The wavelength for detection of polyphenolic compounds was 280 nm in this study. The highest range of total polyphenols was detected in the bark of this pine, specially reported a considerable amount of tyrosol in Pinus eldarica. Tyrosol stimulated resistance to oxidative stress and also has anti aging effect. The high amount of total phenolic compounds in P. eldarica bark might be attractive for future research considering its health benefits

[Sleep and health related quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure]

Introduction: Heart failure is one of the most common cardiovascular disorders. In this disease heart is disable to perfusion, insufficient perfusion lead to many symptoms in this patients. Each of these symptoms in some patients is deprived from the suitable sleep. Sleep is a vital and effective element in the health and quality of life in these patients. The purpose of this study is to assess of relationship between sleep quality and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure

Methods: In this cross-correlation study, 200 patients with chronic heart failure in two teaching university hospital of Tehran university of medical sciences was selected using sampling with proportional allocation. Data were collected using from demographic questioner, Pittsburgh sleep quality index and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and then were analyzed using the SPSS software and statistical tests

Results: Sleep quality, with some aspects of health related quality of life including physical limitations [P<0.000], symptoms [P<0.001], social functioning [P<0.000], quality of life, [P<0.011] as well as general health related quality of life [P<0.000] has a significant relationship

Conclusion: Considering that sleep quality are associated with health-related quality of life. Community health care providers especially nurses had to more than before attention to sleep quality in these patients

[Spiritual well-being and religious coping strategies among hemodialysis patients]

Spiritual wellbeing and religious activities have been known as important sources to cope with chronic disease induced problems. The aim of this study was to determine the spiritual wellbeing status and religious coping among hemodialysis patients. In this descriptive and analytical study, 95 hemodialysis patients from Qom Kamkar-Arabnia and Valiasr hospitals were selected via convenience sampling methods. Ellison and Paloutzian spiritual wellbeing scale and Pargament religious coping scale were used as date gathering tools. Data analysis was done in SPSS v.16 software environment with descriptive statistical tests, Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t-test and one way ANOVA. In all tests, level of significance was considered less than 0.05. Mean and standard deviations of spiritual wellbeing, positive and negative religious coping scores were 91.98 +/- 15.09, 23.38 +/- 4.17 and 11.46 +/- 4.34 respectively. 52.6 percent of patients had higher than mean score in spiritual wellbeing scale. 53.6 percent of patients showed higher than mean score in positive religious coping and the portion about negative religious coping was 37.9 percent. Spiritual wellbeing had significant correlation with positive religious coping [r=0.463, P<0.001] and There were no reveres significant correlations between spiritual wellbeing and negative religious ones [r=-0.430, P<0.001]. There was no significant difference between two genders in spiritual wellbeing status and religious coping. With age increasing, the spiritual wellbeing score increased and this relation was statistically significant [r=0.326, P<0.01]. Our finding indicated that spiritual wellbeing of hemodialysis patients was in partially favorite level and according to the positive effect of efficient religious coping strategies, focuses on religious coping reinforcement in routine patients care, and could improve spiritual wellbeing and psychological aspect of life quality

[Effect of induced refractive errors on measurement of color vision by using D15 test]

To evaluate the effect of Hyperopia, Myopia and Astigmatism on measurement of color vision, we experimentally induced refractive errors by positive, negative and cylinder lenses and estimated this effect on measurement of color vision. From one hundred patients referred to optometry clinic, sixty subjects with distance corrected or uncorrected visual acuity of 6.6, and without any ocular pathology were selected. Color vision was measured by D15 test before and after introducing 2 to 14 diopter positive lenses, 4 to18 diopter minus lenses and 2 to 10 diopter positive cylinder lenses, to induce Hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism respectively. The age was between 15 to 45 years. Although the decrease in color vision [or increase in the mean errors] was significant by introducing 4 to 14 positive, 8 to 18 minus and 4 to 10 cylinder, but it was not statistically significant by introducing 3 D positive lenses, 3D cylinder lenses and 4 D minus lenses. Induced 4 D or more myopia and astigmatism reduces color vision measured by D-15 test. But induced 8D or more Hyperopia can cause reduction in color vision measurement? On the other hand myopia and astigmatism less than 4 diopters, and hyperopia less than 8 diopters have no effect on the measurement of color vision

relationship between serum zinc concentration and short stature in adolescents younger than age 15y

Linear growth is one of the most important criteria of general public health. As a micronutrient, zinc is known to affect linear growth. Considering the low prevalence of zinc deficiency in Zanjan, analysis of the impact of zinc deficiency in children with short stature in this province could provide valuable information. The aim of this study was to compare the serum concentration of Zinc in children with short stature and those with normal growth in Zanjan. This case-control study was conducted on two groups of school children under the age of 15, including 50 subjects with short stature, who were randomly selected from the patients of endocrine clinic of Vali-e-asr general hospital, and 50 normal-growth children. Normal subjects were selected from the cases classmates with the same socioeconomic situation. After collection of general health data and anthropometric measurements, blood samples were taken to detect serum concentrations of zinc in all of the participants. One hundred children, including 50 males and 50 females, with a mean age of 10.2 +/- 3 years were investigated. Serum concentrations of zinc were significantly lower in the subjects with short stature [94 +/- 23.1] microg/dl vs. 110.9 +/- 12.4 microg/dl in normal subjects; p: 0.001]. A significant positive correlation was found between serum concentrations of zinc and the height of the subjects in both groups [r: 0.2, p: 0.02]. There is a positive correlation between serum zinc concentration and the height of the children even in the zinc sufficient areas like Zanjan. Future studies for analysis of the impact of zinc supplementation on the growth velocity of subjects with zinc deficiency are recommended

[ prevalence of congenital color blindness and its effect on contrast sensitivity and depth perception]

Color blindness is a common disorder. The congenital type of tcolor blindness is sex-linked and the genes are located on the X chromosome. The prevalence of color blindness among males and females are 5-8% and 0.5%, respectively. Color blindness may affect daily activities and could be considered as a disability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of color blindness and its effect on contrast sensitivity and depth perception among school children in Mashhad. Four thousand four hundred school children [2408 males and 1992 females] were selected randomly and tested by Ishihara for color blindness detection. At the second step, students with color blindness were examined at optometry clinic by the Ishihara test again. Two hundred students were also selected randomly to allocate into a control group. Cambridge and Titmouse tests were taken on the case and control groups. Among 4400 schoolchildren, 3% suffered from color blindness [5.1% in boys and 0.4% in girls]. Ishihara test showed 2.2% deuteranopia, 0.8% protanopia and 0.6% suspect. The results indicate that the congenital color blindness has no significant effect on contrast sensitivity and depth perception. The present report provides valuable information regarding color vision defectiveness among schoolchildren. Effective detection of this anomaly is expected to prevent from substantial effects on their education and future job. It is strongly recommended to perform color vision test at the beginning of a child's education

[Cardiovascular diseases in the elderly]

The Iranian elderly population is rapidly growing. Currently more than 5 million Iranians are over 60 years of age which corresponds to nearly 7.26 percent of the population of the country. It is estimated that more than 10 percent of the population of the country will be elderly in the forthcoming twenty years. Structural and physiological changes which occur in the elderly cardiovascular system include: stiffness of the vasculature, decreased relaxation capacity of the heart during diastole, decreased efficiency of cardiac contraction during exercise, weakened heart muscle response to stimulation by adrenaline, and orthostatic hypotension. In the elderly people we are confronting with increased frequency of cardiovascular diseases especially myocardial infarction, stroke, isolated systolic hypertension, calcific aortic stenosis, orthostatic hypotension, and syncopal attacks due to sick sinus syndrome, complete heart block, atrial fibrillation or other rhythm disorders. Alteration in cardiovascular status in the elderly has undesirable effects on their quality of life and longevity. Myocardial infarction is the most common cause of death in the elderly; however cardiac arrhythmias and valvular heart disease are other important cardiovascular disease in the old people. Diagnosis of these disorders in the elderly requires special consideration since coexistence of structural/functional changes in the old age with cardiovascular disease would alter the classic features of these disorders and result in delay in their appropriate management. Biological aging as evaluated by reduced telomere length has a strong impact on the incidence of cardiovascular disorders especially coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure. This phenomenon could possibly explain interindividual susceptibility to cardiovascular disorders

Association of physical activity with risk of type 2 diabetes

Physical activity has shown to prevent type diabetes 2. However, the type, intensity and amount of effective physical activity as well as individuals' needs according to level of their risk for type 2 diabetes have not been clarified comprehensively. This study investigated a relation between moderate aerobic physical activity >/= 150 minuets/week with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes among obese and non-obese residents of south of Tehran, Iran. This study, which was a part of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors Survey in Tehran population Lab region, was designed and conducted based on MONICA/WHO project. Totally, 1552 adult inhabitants of 17[th] district of Tehran were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity was assessed by MONICA Optional Study of Physical Activity questionnaire. Diabetes was defined as a history of a prior diagnosis of diabetes or fasting serum glucose >/= 126 mg/dl. All data analyses were conducted using SPSS 17 software for Windows. In a multivariate model, moderate aerobic physical activity >/= 150 minuets/week was significantly associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes in all and non-obese subjects [OR= 0.56; 95%CI: 0.35-0.91 and OR= 0.50; 95%CI: 0.26-0.94, respectively]. There was no significant relation between the physical activity and type 2 diabetes risk in obese subjects [OR=0.64; 95%CI: 0.30-1.39]. Moderate aerobic physical activity >/= 150 minuets/week was significantly associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes in non-obese people and could be an acceptable exercise goal for these individuals. However, obese people should be investigated more to produce a tailored exercise guideline to this population at high risk of type 2 diabetes

[Association of cord blood resistin with leptin, insulin, growth indices and fat levels in neonates of Mousavi hospital of Zanjan in 2009]

Resistin is a novel adipokine which may play a role in insulin resistance. In this study we aimed to determine the cord blood resistin, leptin, insulin and maternal serum resistin levels during pregnancy; and to investigate correlation between these metabolic hormones; and also to evaluate their association with newborn growth indices. This study was conducted on 80 newborns and their mothers in Mousavi Hospital Zanjan, Iran in 2009. Newborn growth indices including birth weight, height, body mass index [BMI], Ponderal index, Homeostatic Model assessment [HOMA-IR] and their mothers. BMI were determined. Resistin, leptin and insulin levels were measured by ELISA. In this study, cord blood resistin levels were higher than serum resistin levels of pregnant mothers [10.77 +/- 1.53 vs. 7.91 +/- 5.71 ng/ml]. Moreover, serum resistin levels of mothers. did not exhibit any correlation with cord blood resistin, leptin and insulin levels, as well as neonatal anthropometric indices. Meanwhile, there was no significant correlation between cord resistin levels, insulin resistance, fat percentage and newborn growth factors. Cord resistin levels were positively correlated with cord blood leptin levels [r=0.222; p=0.048]. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between cord blood leptin and neonatal BMI [r=0.223; p=0.047], Ponderal index [r=0.212; p=0.058], HOMA-IR [r=0.426; p=0.052] and fat percentage [r=0.247; p=0.014]. On the basis of the findings, increased cord blood resistin levels may indirectly influence fetal growth through leptin or other cytokine levels. Though, further researches are needed to confirm this matter

Association of cord blood resistin with leptin, insulin, growth indices and fat levels in neonates of Mousavi hospital of Zanjan in 2009

Resistin is a novel adipokine which may play a role in insulin resistance. In this study we aimed to determine the cord blood resistin, leptin, insulin and maternal serum resistin levels during pregnancy; and to investigate correlation between these metabolic hormones; and also to evaluate their association with newborn growth indices. This study was conducted on 80 newborns and their mothers in Mousavi Hospital Zanjan, Iran in 2009. Newborn growth indices including birth weight, height, body mass index [BMI], Ponderal index, Homeostatic Model assessment [HOMA-IR] and their mothers' BMI were determined. Resistin, leptin and insulin levels were measured by ELISA. In this study, cord blood resistin levels were higher than serum resistin levels of pregnant mothers [10.77 +/- 1.53 vs. 7.91 +/- 5.71 ng/ml]. Moreover, serum resistin levels of mothers' did not exhibit any correlation with cord blood resistin, leptin and insulin levels, as well as neonatal anthropometric indices. Meanwhile, there was no significant correlation between cord resistin levels, insulin resistance, fat percentage and newborn growth factors. Cord resistin levels were positively correlated with cord blood leptin levels [r=0.222; p=0.048]. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between cord blood leptin and neonatal BMI [r=0.223; p=0.047], Ponderal index [r=0.212; p=0.058], HOMA-IR [r=0.426; p=0.052] and fat percentage [r=0.247; p=0.014]. On the basis of the findings, increased cord blood resistin levels may indirectly influence fetal growth through leptin or other cytokine levels. Though, further researches are needed to confirm this matter

Spatial distribution and molecular identification of leishmania species from endemic foci of south-eastern Iran

Cutaneous leishmaniasis constitutes a major public health problem in many parts of the world including Iran. The primary objective of this study was to identify Leishmania species in endemic districts of Kerman Province, south-eastern Iran. This study was conducted by random sampling as cross- sectional descriptive between 2008 and 2010. Overall, 203 skin scraping smears were taken from the patients. Nested -PCR was performed to amplify variable minicircle fragments of Leishmania kDNA. Bam was the most infected district [71.1%], followed by Kerman [14.7%], Jiroft [5.4%], Baft [2.7%], Sirjan [1.6%], Shahr-e Babak [1.5%] and others [3.0%]. L. tropica was the most common species identified [194 cases, 95.6%], while L. major was found in only 9 cases [4.4%]. Of 203 identified patients, all species in Bam [l07 cases], Kerman [32 cases], Jiroft [l6 cases] and Shahr-e- Babak [l1 cases] were detected as L. tropica, whereas infected subjects in Baft and Sirjan showed L. tropica or L. major. Characterization of Leishmania species resulted in generation of 750 bp and 560 bp fragments, corresponding to those of L. tropica and L. major, respectively. L. tropica is the main species [95.6%] caused ACL in endemic areas of Kerman Province; however L. major is present in low level [4.4%]

[Incidence of bone fracture among osteoporotic women during a six-year period of follow-up and its relation to type of therapy]

Background and Objective: due to a high prevalence of osteoporosis and its costs and regarding different ways of treatment for this disease and lack of knowledge about their efficacy in fracture rate in Iran, this study was designed in Zanjan to determine fracture rate in hypogonadal osteoporotic women who were on different types of anti-osteoporotic treatments

Materials and Methods: in this historical cohort study, 160 osteoporotic women were investigated. They were under treatment for their osteoporosis during 2001-2007. The cases were divided into 4 groups based on their type of treatment: 1] Calcium 1000 mg/daily + Vit D 200 IU/daily 2] Calcium 500 mg/daily + Vit D 200 IU/daily + Alendronate 10 mg/daily 3] HRT with Calcium D 4] Combination therapy. One group that didn't receive any type of treatment, were considered as control group. At least two densitometries were carried out in each case that the first one being done at the beginning of the study. Bone density was measured in three sites including: hip, spine and forearm with DEXA method. The rate of osteoporotic fractures was investigated in any site of the body during the follow-up period based on patient's invitation and their documents. Data were analyzed using Chi square, t-test, Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival curve

Results: the rate of fracture was 11% [18 cases]. Most of the fractures were non-vertebral [17 cases] and occurred in ages less than 50 years [17.9%]. The most effective treatment to reduce fracture rate was Alendronate [with 69.9% reduction rate]. HRT was as effective as Calcium and Vit D in reducing the fracture rates. Bone density in forearm region was known as the most vigorous predictive factor of fracture rate in our study. Most of the fractures were reported in forearm and leg regions [63.3%]

Conclusion: based on this study it can be concluded that Alendronate is the most effective treatment to reduce fracture rate in osteoporotic women. Densitometry is also recommended for women under 50 years old with hypogonadysm for early diagnosis and treatment

[Effects of calcitriol [1,25[OH]2D3 treatment on control of glucose intolerance in hemodialysis patients]

Impaired carbohydrate metabolism is a common finding in patients with chronic renal failure. Although intermittent hemodialysis results in a significant improvement of impaired glucose metabolism of uremia, complete normalization did not occur. Vitamin D[3] deficiency, it seems is linked with disturbance of glucose metabolism. A role of vit D in endocrine pancreatic function has been suggested. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 1,25 [OH]2D3 treatment on glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and beta cell function in hemodialysis patients. Of sixty-five patients with uremia on hemodialysis, twenty -seven who had never been treated with vitamin D or related drugs and without history of diabetes were selected for this study. These patients were randomly divided to two groups, group I were treated with oral calcitriol [0.5 mcg/day] for 8 weeks and group it received placebo for the 8 weeks. In all cases, before and 8 weeks after treatment fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, calcium, phosphorous, PTH, HbA1C and blood sugar after 75 gr load of glucose were measured. Insulin resistance [homostatic model assessment-insulin resistance = HOMA-IR] and beta cell function [homostatic model assessment- insulin secretion =HOMA-SECR] were calculated and results of these measurements, before and after 8 weeks, in both groups were compared. In group I, after calcitriol treatment, blood sugar after 75 gr load of glucose [p= 0.045], HOMA -IR [p= 0.035], HbA1C [p=0.00], total cholesterol [p=0.037], and triglycerides [p=0.036] decreased, whereas calcium levels increased, significantly [0.014]; changes in other parameters were not significant. In group II [without treatment] after 8 weeks of observation, fasting blood sugar [p=0.002], HbA1C [p=0.004], HOMA -IR [p=0.036] significantly increased and beta cell function decreased significantly [p= 0.032]; again alterations in other parameters were not significant. These results seem to confirm that the active form of vitamin D influences glucose and lipid metabolism, by the improvement of insulin resistance

[Effects of alendronate and hormone replacement therapy [HRT] on bone mineral density of postmenopausal women]

Although there are several methods of treatment of osteoporosis, prospective studies to compare their effect on bone density in Iranian population are rare. This study was designed to compare the effect of alendronate and hormone replacement therapy on bone mineral density of postmenopausal Iranian women living in Zanjan. We treated 115 women [mean age 54/8 +/- 9 years]. Twenty four women were treated with conjugated equine estrogen [0.625 mg], 5 mg medroxyprogesterone, and 1000 mg elemental calcium with 400 IU vitamin D daily. Forty four subjects received 10 mg/d alendronate plus calcium and vitamin D in the same dose and 37 women were taken placebo with 1000 mg/d calcium and 400 IU/d vitamin D. Their bone mineral densities [BMD] were measured at the lumbar spine, hip and mid radius every 12 months for three years. All cases with secondary osteoporosis were excluded from the study. Significantly a higher percentage increases in BMD at the lumbar spine [P< .008, 2-way analysis of variance] were found in the alendronate group than in the HRT and calcium + vitamin D groups throughout the 36-month study period. However, there was no difference in BMD at the femoral neck and mid-radius between alendronate and HRT groups. Treatment with alendronate resulted in a 11% increase at the L-spine BMD [P: 0/00]. A non significant reduction of about 4% at the femoral neck BMD was detected in alendronate group at the end of the 3-year study period. Although there was no significant change in the femoral neck, lumbar spine or mid-radius BMD with HRT, a significant decline [about 9%] in the BMD of the femoral neck was observed in the placebo group [P: 0.004]. There was no difference in upper gastrointestinal or drug-related side effects between the groups. Our data suggest that the use of alendronate was well tolerated for 3 years and significantly increased BMD at the L-spine. It also can reduce the rate of BMD reduction at the femoral neck as was seen in the placebo group in postmenopausal Iranian women. Although HRT can inhibit BMD reduction at the femoral neck and lumbar spine, this regimen cannot increase BMD in postmenopausal Iranian women

[Evaluation of theraputic effect of desmopressin on enuresis in children aged 5-14 years]

Nocturnal enuresis, the involuntary passing of urine during sleep after the age at which bladder control would normally be anticipated, is a widespread and potentially disabling disorder of children. Treatment of enuresis includes non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic procedures. Imipramine, anticholinergics, and desmopressin are appropriate drugs for treatment. Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of vasopressin, which decreases urine output. Since efficacy and side effects of desmopressin-therapy differ in various studies, this research was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of desmopressin in enuretic children in Zanjan. In this quasi-experimental study, 126 children aged 5-14 suffering from primary nocturnal enuresis, referring to pediatric nephrology clinic were entered into the study during 2002-2006. Following the written consent a questionnaire concerning the personal data and physical examination was completed for each patient. Clinical tests including U/A, U/C, Cr and serum electrolytes were carried out and after rejecting the secondary causes of enuresis 10-20 micro-g intransal desmopressin was prescribed according to the age and weight of the children. The effect and complications of the drug were followed up monthly for six months. Of 126 children, 56 [44.4%] obtained full recovery, and 48 [38.1%] partial recovery from nocturnal enuresis. The total recovery was 82.5%. 22 patients [17.4%] did not respond to the drug. No significant difference was observed between age, gender, existence of stress, and effect of the drug on child enuresis. Children with familial history of nocturnal enuresis responded better to the drug. No complications were observed in patients. Desmopressin is an effective drug against nocturnal enuresis of children. The drug is more effective in children with familial history of primary nocturnal enuresis

[ effects of triple-therapy in metabolic control of patients suffering from type 2 diabetic mellitus [DM]]

Although patients with uncontrolled type 2 Diabetes mellitus[DM] despite conventional treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents eventually require insulin to achieve glycemic control, most of them reject use of insulin. To evaluate the efficacy of adding acarbose to full doses of conventional oral hypoglycemic agents on the metabolic control of the patients this study was designed. In this uncontrolled follow-up study, 20 patients with type 2 DM and persistent poor glycemic control despite maximal doses of sulfonylurea and metformin were recruited to receive additional treatment with acarbose. Insulin therapy was rejected by all the patients and 12 weeks of dietary reinforcement and supervision for their diet and exercise programs failed to improve their glycemic control. An active treatment period with acarbose 100 mg thrice daily was followed by a 12-week of placebo. Efficacy was assessed by changes in HbA1c, fasting and 2-h postprandial plasma glucose and fasting plasma lipid levels. Acarbose treatment was associated with significantly greater reductions in HbA1c [-1.3 +/- 0.2% vs. placebo 0.2 +/- 0.1%, P = 0.038], Fasting Plasma Glucose[FPG][-25.3 +/- 10 mg/dl vs. placebo 10 +/- 6mg/dl, p:0.019], 2-h postprandial glucose [-24 +/- 8 mg/dl vs. placebo 15 +/- 7.5 mg/dl, P :0.001] and body mass index[BMI] [-0.5 +/- 0.32 kg/m[2] vs. placebo 0.42 +/- 0.29 kg/ m[2], P: 0.01]. There were no significant changes in plasma lipids levels. In patients with type 2 DM inadequately controlled on conventional oral agents, acarbose resulted in beneficial effects on glycemic control and mean body weight. Additional use of acarbose can be considered as a useful alternative in such patients if they are reluctant to accept insulin therapy

[Evaluation of serum levels of IL-L alpha, TGF-Beta, TNF-alpha, IFN-alpha, IFN-Omega, IL-1 alpha, TGH-beta, cortisol and immunoglobulins in Islamic ramadan fasting]

This research aimed determining the levels of cortisol, immunoglobulins and major serum cytokines, following Ramadan fasting, as immune response indexes. For this before and after Ramadan fasting study, twenty-five students residing at the dormitory of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences were selected. All cytokines levels [IL-1alpha TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, IFN-alpha, IFN-omega] were determined by the ELISA method, Immoglobulines were determined by the Radial Immunodiffusion [SRID] technique and cortisol levels were measured by EIA too. While IFN-omega a showed a considerable increase after Ramadan fasting [P<0.01], IFN-alpha and TNF-alpha had decreased [P >/= 0.5 and <0.02 respectively]. Serum level of TGF-beta increased but not significantly [P>0.3]; cortisol also increased after one month of fasting [P<0.05]. Serum IL-1alpha had a non-significant decrease [P >/= 0.5]. Although IgG and IgM levels showed no significant increase, IgA levels showed significant decrease [P<0.5]. Our data revealed that Ramadan fasting increased IFN-omega, while decreasing TNF-alpha and IgA levels; ramadan fasting can probably increase T-Cell function, lower the inflammatory appreance rate and affect immunoglubulin production

Coping strategies used by parents of children with cancer in Shiraz, Southern Iran

The assessment of family coping patterns and resources will provide a further basis for helping family's adaptation. This study was undertaken to assess the coping strategies used by parents of children with cancer in Aliasghar Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Data collection was conducted based upon Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scale [F-COPES] including social and spiritual support, reframing, seeking help and passive appraisal. A total of 72 parents including 28 couples, 8 single mothers and 8 single fathers participated in this study. The spiritual support ranked the highest and the social help, the lowest strategies used by the parents. Seeking help, reframing and passive appraisal were the remaining strategies. Statistically significant differences were found between the age of participants and reframing and seeking help strategies. A significant difference was also observed between the level of parent's education and reframing strategy but not between gender and coping strategies. Familiarity with coping strategies and the method to use them could balance the emotional, psychological and social consequences of parents who have a child with cancer

Histopathologic changes of extraocular muscle fibers after injection of botulinum toxin

Use of botulinum toxin is becoming a popular way in treatment of some forms of strabismus. To evaluate the morphological changes in the orbital surface layer muscles of the rabbit eye following a single injection of botulinum toxin. 10 white Dutch rabbits weighing 2-3 kg received either 10 units [group 1; n=5] or 20 units [group 2; n=5] of botulinum toxin into the superior rectus muscle of right eye. The superior rectus muscle of the left eye in each rabbit was considered as control. The diameter of at least 20 muscle fibers of the orbital layer of the superior rectus muscle was measured with an ocular micrometer on histological sections after extirpation 2 and 1 0 days, and 4, 8 and 1 2 weeks after the injection. Marked decrease in size of muscle fibers was observed, especially on 2 and 10 days post-injection. It was more sever in animals which received 20 units of the toxin. In both groups, between 4 and 12 weeks after injection, the size of some fibers returned back to normal; rarely, the fibers became hypertrophic while atrophic changes were still present. Hypertrophy of neuro-muscular end-plate was seen accompanied with atrophic changes. Fibrosis around the muscle fibers was rarely seen. Injection of botulinum toxin into extraocular muscles causes atrophic changes which seems to be more severe with higher doses. The effect of botulinum toxin has been persisted up to 8 weeks